New numbers show Kansas revenues were $15 million short of estimates in October. So far this fiscal year, the state has brought in $57 million less than expected.
Kansas income tax collections beat the estimate significantly, but that was outweighed by drops in other areas like sales taxes. Republican Secretary of Revenue Nick Jordan said in a statement that Kansas is following a national trend with these sluggish sales tax numbers.
Democratic state Rep. Boog Highberger calls the numbers disappointing but not surprising. He’s already bracing for tough budget and tax work next year.
“Unless things improve dramatically, we will need more revenue or less expense,” Highberger says.
Kansas cut taxes several years ago but a budget shortfall prompted tax increases earlier this year.